Christen, Otto og Mogens Skeel 1703 - 1757

Johann Christoph Sysang created this print of Christen, Otto og Mogens Skeel. In the 18th century, portraiture was more than just capturing a likeness; it was about constructing and communicating social status. Each element, from the armor to the elaborate wigs, speaks to the Skeel family's position in society. Think about how these visual cues would have been read by their contemporaries. The piece is so concerned with the visual representation of power, and how appearances can shape perceptions of identity. Sysang's print reflects a very specific, hierarchical world. It invites us to think about what has changed and, perhaps more importantly, what hasn’t, in how we present ourselves to the world.